Odisha designer celebrates womanhood with her creations

Bhubaneswar: Joshna Das is excited about her first exhibition in Odisha, showcasing her creations in Ikat, Kalamkari, applique work, hand painting and embroidery, at Vagdevi Litfest in the city.

A celebration of feminism and ethnicity, this exhibition is her tribute to womanhood. “There will be live demonstration of Pattachitra, tribal painting and Zardozi hand embroidery at the stall,” she said.

Also on display are accessories like bags, she said.

Jyosna started off with her boutique Avenue Creation about 17 years ago after graduating from JD Institute of Fashion Technology. The design studio, Bivabari, took shape last year with a new concept and designs revolving around Indian textile.

“The clothes I design, keeping the middle-aged women and their body type in mind, are all about comfort which they can carry with confidence,” she expressed.

She procures fabrics from Nuapatna, Gopalpur, Barpali and Balangir in Odisha and block print from Jaipur, Kalamkari from Hyderabad and Pochampalli Ikat from Tirupati. The sarees, gowns, long dresses, kurtis, dupattas and blouses are embellished with patchwork, hand painting and embroidery, giving them a chick look.

Her designs have been well appreciated and earned her dedicated clients, including actress Anu Choudhury and activist Rosalin Mishra Patsani.

“The initial years were full of struggle as I had to prove myself as a designer, which was an altogether new concept for the city. Slowly things fell into place,” she said.

Joshna, who had earlier held an exhibition in Bengaluru, is also working on bridal wear using Odisha handloom. “Sambalpuri or bomkai patterns are not very popular among bribes. I hope to change this with the lehengas I am working on,” she said.

Her future expansion plan includes training girls from rural belt and engaging them in her unit. She is hopeful of spreading colours in their life with this initiative.